Richardson shot and killed 26-year-old Kenneth “Noog” Curry, a man whom he had also pistol-whipped the day before in a drug dispute.

Richardson, Curry and Dixon had all lived together at one time. They were all drug dealers who purchased their product from Johnson, according to testimony. Over time, their relationship deteriorated.

Bystander 19-year-old Danielle Melton also was shot and killed during the shootout.

A bullet also ricocheted and hit a 13-month-old child who later recovered.

The jury convicted Richardson of first-degree murder for Curry’s death and second-degree murder for Melton’s death. The jury also convicted him of seven counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting or throwing deadly missiles.

Richardson faces mandatory life in prison and will be sentenced the week of Oct. 13.

Dixon was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and pleaded guilty in November 2011. He faces between three and 15 years in prison with credit for three years served in jail while waiting to testify in this trial. He is expected to be sentenced Friday.

Richardson is a real tough guy, no doubt about it. Give him credit for that much. With a name like Theodist Tyrone, maybe that was his fate.

I wish drugs were legalized and treated like a medical problem instead of a legal one. Then maybe these would-be gangsters might have to get a job, work for a living, and be productive members of society.